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CTIA strikes back at San Francisco for cell phone radiation ordinance

The wireless phone industry is striking back at San Francisco for its precedent-setting ordinance requiring radiation level notices at cell phone retail stores.

In a statement Tuesday afternoon, CTIA spokesman John Walls said the trade group that represents cell phone makers and service providers won't be holding its annual fall trade show in the Bay Area because of the new ordinance.

"Rather than inform, the ordinance will potentially mislead consumers with point of sale requirements suggesting that some phones are 'safer' than others based on radiofrequency (RF) emissions," Walls said. "We are disappointed to announce that the 2010 CTIA Enterprise and Applications show in October will be the last one we have in San Francisco for the foreseeable future."

The trade group has held five of its fall trade shows in San Francisco in the last seven years. It said the show attracts 68,000 vendors and brings $80 million in economic gains for the city.

He said the Federal Communications Commission's safety standards for RF emissions make all compliant phones safe. But a growing number of researchers and lawmakers in other parts of the country have expressed concern that standards are outdated, and fresh research has raised new doubts about the safety of long-term cell phone use.

"We have already been contacted by several other cities that are eager to work with us and understand the tremendous benefits that wireless technology and our show can provide their area."

I agree with the CTIA that SAR levels can be misleading because SAR levels are the maximum not the actual radiation levels. That's why real time indicators like tawkon are more practical. But I disagree that this is a disservice to users and I think it's childish to boycott the city for CTIA because of this legislation.

I believe we as consumers should have all the information and tools to use our phones smartly, and the mobile industry should respect us to show and not withhold such vital information.